Burgundy Farm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.

Yes! Thank you. This talk of “slow start”
And “virtual start” is all bullshit. We are looking at a full year of distance learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.

Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.

Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.

[phone]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.

Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.

Burgundy families: repeat after me: you will be remote all year. Don’t let the teachers/admin trick you any more.

[Anonymous]

You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.


Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.


Burgundy families: repeat after me: you will be remote all year. Don’t let the teachers/admin trick you any more.

Something about them saying that it might get better and the kids can go back prior to a vaccine seems very Trumpian - the virus will "just disappear." No it won't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.


Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.


Burgundy families: repeat after me: you will be remote all year. Don’t let the teachers/admin trick you any more.

Something about them saying that it might get better and the kids can go back prior to a vaccine seems very Trumpian - the virus will "just disappear." No it won't.

Of course it won't. However, Burgundy was putting some very good safety measures into place. They installed many outdoor handwashing stations, installed sun shades to create at least 5-6 outdoor learning spaces, purchased indoor/outdoor desks, were adding extra filtration to HVAC systems...and were planning to require masks, when being outside wasn't possilbe they would classroom doors/windows. The only problem I had with their plan is that the cohort size was too big. They need to fix that.

The reason we won't be back on campus is because the teachers are refusing, and for some reason that will continue to baffle me, the school seems unwilling to hire additional staff to be on campus while some teachers Zoom in.

[Anonymous]

Something about them saying that it might get better and the kids can go back prior to a vaccine seems very Trumpian - the virus will "just disappear." No it won't.


Of course it won't. However, Burgundy was putting some very good safety measures into place. They installed many outdoor handwashing stations, installed sun shades to create at least 5-6 outdoor learning spaces, purchased indoor/outdoor desks, were adding extra filtration to HVAC systems...and were planning to require masks, when being outside wasn't possilbe they would classroom doors/windows. The only problem I had with their plan is that the cohort size was too big. They need to fix that.

The reason we won't be back on campus is because the teachers are refusing, and for some reason that will continue to baffle me, the school seems unwilling to hire additional staff to be on campus while some teachers Zoom in.

I don't know what the school's reasoning it because they never shared that. But, I do know that their statement that maybe we can go back in a few weeks to months if things get better is based on a premise that is not going to happen, unless there is a major medical breakthrough of some kind. COVID is not going to magically get fixed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You realize it will be distance learning ALL year, right? No way the teachers are going to suddenly decide they are willing to teach in person when there is no vaccine.


Yes, we do. Part of the outrage is the continuation of this ruse.


Burgundy families: repeat after me: you will be remote all year. Don’t let the teachers/admin trick you any more.

Something about them saying that it might get better and the kids can go back prior to a vaccine seems very Trumpian - the virus will "just disappear." No it won't.

Of course it won't. However, Burgundy was putting some very good safety measures into place. They installed many outdoor handwashing stations, installed sun shades to create at least 5-6 outdoor learning spaces, purchased indoor/outdoor desks, were adding extra filtration to HVAC systems...and were planning to require masks, when being outside wasn't possilbe they would classroom doors/windows. The only problem I had with their plan is that the cohort size was too big. They need to fix that.

The reason we won't be back on campus is because the teachers are refusing, and for some reason that will continue to baffle me, the school seems unwilling to hire additional staff to be on campus while some teachers Zoom in.

You are exactly right. The reason we won’t be back on campus (all year) is because of teachers refusing to do their jobs. All the histrionic cries of “it’s a PANDEMIC people!!” Will not change that one simple fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a Burgundy alumni parent and former Trustee, I would like to remind people on this thread that many of you are making general statements about the school that are hateful, demoralizing to the teachers, damaging to the reputation of the school and simply untrue. I understand that you are disappointed and angry that Burgundy is not planning to reopen on September 8th with a fully in-person program. Some of you feel like the school made a bait and switch or falsely advertised its plans. That feeling may be justified. Others are angry about the timing of communications from the school, that is also understandable. But to say that parents’ opinions were not taken into account is not true. Many members of the Board of Trustees are current parents, and there were additional parent representatives on the planning committees. Many teachers and administrators are also parents of children in the school and they pay tuition too. So let’s be clear about who has input in the reopening planning. As to the generalized vitriol and sweeping complaints about the teachers, calling them mediocre and lazy, is unfair and uncalled for. You might have one or two in mind, but don’t you realize that all of them will take it personally and feel unsupported and betrayed? How is that helping your child? How does that help the school?

Putting on my mama bear hat here, my daughter, who is a Burgundy teacher, worked tirelessly this spring to provide the 8th graders with the best ending to their Burgundy years as she possibly could. It was like pulling teeth to get every student (34 in all) to send in a video of themselves so that every single one of them could be featured in the virtual musical. She spent hours upon hours working with the students online to rehearse and then perform their scenes so that they could be filmed. Editing a 50 minute film is no easy task, try doing it and see how long it takes you!

She also worked with students to provide a virtual “last dance” and a fun, social time for the middle school, involving hours of planning and then working all Friday night of the dance.

Oh, and she spent an entire 12 hour Saturday, driving 245 miles in the DMV to deliver yard signs to every 8th grader, filming the “surprise” for the students and their families. And then worked countless hours making an iMovie of the day.

And then there was graduation and writing personal letters to graduates and on and on.

My daughter is many things, but she is absolutely not “lazy.” And what does she get in return for all of this?
A parent email complaining about their child not being prominently featured in the movie and parents complaining that the students didn’t have enough input into the graduation format. (She worked hours planning it with the students, who were disappointed that they could not have an in-person event). And by the way, no thank you gift, no card, no flowers, no nothing from 8th grade parents. (A few sent thank you emails, you are the ones that keep teachers smiling!)

So why does she want to teach your children? Because she loves them. And she wants to be a mentor and teacher to them at this particular time in their young lives.
-She is the one they come to when they are worried about a friend's health and safety.
-She is the one that suspects a student might have eating issues and calls you, the parents.
-She is the one who coaches your daughters outside the bathroom door on how to insert a tampon so that they can go swimming with their classmates.
-She is the one that is directing your students, looking for their hidden talents, helping your students discover something new in themselves.

And she is only one of the many Burgundy teachers who do this every day.

And by the way, she is one of the “specials” teachers, but she didn’t make the schedule for the spring DL, so blaming teachers for the schedule is also just plain wrong.
She also sent home weekly lessons and videos, especially to 4/5 students, to support their learning and to provide them with a fun activity during the DL time. Many students chose not to participate in this lessons.

I have been part of the Burgundy community for 33 years. Our son started kindergarten/transition in 1987. And then our two daughters followed. The 16 years that my children were at Burgundy were some of the best years of our family’s life together and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. The experiences that we shared at the Cove, on field trips and during festivals and the Fair with other Burgundy families are some of our happiest memories of our children's childhoods. And we made lifelong friends with other parents, people who have enriched our lives and made living in the DC area without our families (who live in Florida and California) not only bearable, but wonderful. There were problems and challenges when we came to Burgundy in 1987, and as those were resolved, others have arisen. This pandemic is a difficult challenge, but not one that Burgundy people working together to build a positive consensus cannot meet. Burgundy has thrived over these almost 75 years because it has always had a dedicated community of parents, teachers, students and administrators who are committed to the school’s continual renewal and success. There have also always been critical flamethrowers (a small minority, but still) who burn bridges and try to tear down the school on their way out the door. In my experience, these people are not helpful in bringing about positive change. I urge current parents to think about positive ways that they can help Burgundy meet this new challenge and to contribute their skills and talents so that Burgundy will be able to provide its unique educational experience to their children now and in the years to come. It is my hope that Burgundy as a school and community will continue to evolve and thrive not just for your children, but for your (and my) grandchildren.

Then you should know that the school has always loudly and proudly proclaimed its commitment to outdoor learning spaces and incorporating outdoor learning and it’s sad that at a time when this exact thing has been called for and is needed Burgundy failed.

This says to me that Burgundy doesn’t even believe in its own values and core beliefs and current parents have every right to be angry.
And you should be too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What criteria was used to not open in September? Chances of the Covid situation being better in a month are slim and we know the weather will be colder and we will be closer to flu season. What metrics will be used going forward? Will the school be transparent with us about how decisions are made? Seems like the decision for September wasn’t about trends in Arlington, but failure to execute a plan because of pushback from teachers. Do you have a critical mass of teachers who have agreed to teach in person in October? The leadership of school is losing its credibility in the manner it communicates.

The criteria used was the teachers refusal to leave their homes until we are all vaccinated and all inequity is eradicated.

[Anonymous]

What criteria was used to not open in September? Chances of the Covid situation being better in a month are slim and we know the weather will be colder and we will be closer to flu season. What metrics will be used going forward? Will the school be transparent with us about how decisions are made? Seems like the decision for September wasn’t about trends in Arlington, but failure to execute a plan because of pushback from teachers. Do you have a critical mass of teachers who have agreed to teach in person in October? The leadership of school is losing its credibility in the manner it communicates.


The criteria used was the teachers refusal to leave their homes until we are all vaccinated and all inequity is eradicated.

We don't know that. It could have been liability fears. This is part of the reason I am so angry - the school hasn't given us any firm information on what drove this decision and what would be needed for it to switch back to in person. I'm not angry at the teachers at this point, but I am furious at the administration about the lack of information and a coherent plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What criteria was used to not open in September? Chances of the Covid situation being better in a month are slim and we know the weather will be colder and we will be closer to flu season. What metrics will be used going forward? Will the school be transparent with us about how decisions are made? Seems like the decision for September wasn’t about trends in Arlington, but failure to execute a plan because of pushback from teachers. Do you have a critical mass of teachers who have agreed to teach in person in October? The leadership of school is losing its credibility in the manner it communicates.


The criteria used was the teachers refusal to leave their homes until we are all vaccinated and all inequity is eradicated.

We don't know that. It could have been liability fears. This is part of the reason I am so angry - the school hasn't given us any firm information on what drove this decision and what would be needed for it to switch back to in person. I'm not angry at the teachers at this point, but I am furious at the administration about the lack of information and a coherent plan.

I am telling you this is fact. The teachers all banded together and refused to come to work.

[Anonymous]

I will repeat - Burgundy will be online ALL year. Prepare for it now. The teachers are not going to suddenly decide they are okay with in person school 3 or 4 weeks into the school year (October) half day or not.

[Anonymous]

I will repeat - Burgundy will be online ALL year. Prepare for it now. The teachers are not going to suddenly decide they are okay with in person school 3 or 4 weeks into the school year (October) half day or not.

It's not impossible that we might have a vaccine in late January or February.

[Anonymous]

We don't know that. It could have been liability fears. This is part of the reason I am so angry - the school hasn't given us any firm information on what drove this decision and what would be needed for it to switch back to in person. I'm not angry at the teachers at this point, but I am furious at the administration about the lack of information and a coherent plan.


I am telling you this is fact. The teachers all banded together and refused to come to work.

How do you have that information?